The 21st HBL P@SHA ICT Awards are set to take place on September 6, continuing a two-decade legacy of celebrating and recognizing excellence in Pakistan’s information and communication technology sector. Organized by PASHA, the apex body representing Pakistan’s IT and IT-enabled Services industry, these annual awards aim to acknowledge the achievements of companies, startups, exporters, and innovators who have contributed to the industry’s steady growth and international presence.
These awards are free to enter and open to all, including students, women entrepreneurs, startups, and large tech exporters. Chairman PASHA, Sajjad Mustafa Syed, emphasized the inclusive nature of the initiative, highlighting that no application fee is charged. He encouraged participation across the board, noting that the awards offer a unique opportunity for both emerging and established entities to gain visibility and global exposure. The awards will be evaluated by a distinguished jury comprising international experts, and will span 10 primary categories along with 41 sub and cross categories. These include recognition for startups, ecommerce platforms, business verticals, and major industry exporters.
HBL P@SHA ICT Awards are considered the most prestigious accolades within Pakistan’s tech ecosystem. More than just a national recognition, the awards serve as a launchpad for international competitiveness. Winners and runner-ups from the event will represent Pakistan at the Asia-Pacific ICT Alliance (APICTA) Awards 2025, scheduled to be held in Chinese Taipei. Pakistan has consistently made its mark at APICTA, securing 10 awards in 2024 alone, placing the country among the top five performers in the region in terms of IT talent and achievement.
As the IT sector continues to be a high-potential contributor to Pakistan’s economic resilience, PASHA’s leadership believes that the industry has the capability to achieve exponential growth. With relatively low infrastructure needs and a strong reliance on human capital, the IT industry is viewed as the most scalable and cash-flow positive sector in the country. Export numbers reflect this growth trajectory, with IT exports rising from $1.4 billion in FY20 to $3.8 billion in FY25.
The vision set by the Prime Minister and SIFC to reach $15 billion in IT exports by FY30 is seen as attainable if backed by necessary structural reforms. These include stable and long-term taxation policies, smoother foreign exchange regulations, and investment-friendly macroeconomic frameworks. Industry stakeholders continue to call for consistent and supportive measures that will enable Pakistan’s IT companies to thrive, scale, and attract global attention.
By spotlighting innovation, excellence, and global readiness, the HBL P@SHA ICT Awards aim to further strengthen the narrative of Pakistan as a serious player in the international tech and services landscape.
